29 Aug 2013 Entries for the 37th Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour open at 1pm on Sunday, 1 September 2013
Entries for the 37th annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour will open on Sunday 1 September 2013 at 1pm. The Cycle Tour is recognised as the world’s largest individually timed cycle race, annually attracting approximately 35000 cyclists from around the world to participate in this iconic event. “Thanks to our strong charity group entry focus, entry interest for 2014 is significantly higher than in previous years. As a result, we’re anticipating individual entries selling out in record time this year,” said David Bellairs, Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust Director .
Renée Jordaan, Operations Director of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust (CTCTT), organisers of the event, says the same 109km 2013 route format will be retained. “Participants will be relieved to hear that they will not be required to ride the challenging Boyes Drive route in 2014, but will again be directed along the flatter and more comfortable Main Road. ”
Cycle Tour has grown from humble beginnings, attracting a few hundred participants in 1978, into the iconic international event it is today. Over the years, the tour has generated millions of Rands for cycling development and charitable projects supported by its two key beneficiaries, the Pedal Power Association and the Rotary Club of Claremont, as well as various other Rotary Clubs that are involved in the staging of the event.
In addition to the monies generated for its two beneficiaries, a key departure point since the 2012 Cycle Tour is the allocation of entries specifically for charitable groups. Says David Bellairs, a director of the CTCTT, “It makes complete sense that we use the popularity of the Cycle Tour to encourage participants to use the event as a platform to give back to their communities. The interest we’ve already received from charities wishing to use the 2014 event as an opportunity to fundraise for worthy causes has been overwhelmingly positive.
Cyclists begin their ascent of Chapman’s Peak Drive
during the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour
Training Wheels targets first timers
With the aim of attracting and preparing first-timers to the sport of cycling to participate in their first Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour in 2014, the CTCTT launched their innovative Training Wheels programme a few weeks ago.
Training Wheels spokesperson, Adri Bootsma, says: “The Cycle Tour Training Wheels programme is designed to accommodate even the most nervous novice cyclist. We all know the feeling of trepidation when doing something for the first time and we don’t want anyone to feel they cannot participate in this spectacular event that consumes Cape Town in March each year.
“The programme includes learning about basic cycling skills and safety, bicycle maintenance, as well as fitness, hydration and nutrition coaching. And of course, it incorporates plenty of fun rides of increasing distance as entrants build up their fitness and confidence.”
First-timers keen to participate in the Training Wheels programme should visit www.cycletour.co.za and follow the links for more information and to apply.
How to enter the 2014 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour
Online entries can be submitted on the Cycle Tour website at www.cycletour.co.za from 1pm on Sunday 1 September 2013.
To ease your entry process, ensure that you have the following information available:
- Your ID or passport
- A valid credit card
- Your medical aid details and membership number
- An emergency contact number
Cyclists leave Hout Bay as they head
towards Suikerbossie during the Cape Argus
Pick n Pay Cycle Tour
Image credit: Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust